Topline
With only days remaining until the total solar eclipse on Aug. 12, thousands of eclipse chasers are making their final travel plans for northern Spain. However, many could still miss the spectacle if they overlook one crucial detail — this eclipse happens just before sunset. Although the path of totality crosses northern Spain, the totally eclipsed sun will sit exceptionally low above the northwestern horizon, where mountains, trees and buildings could easily block the brief moments of totality. Fortunately, there is still time to check viewing locations using a growing range of eclipse-planning websites, apps and horizon tools.
Read more Blanche Confirmed As Attorney General—Here Are The Concessions That Got Him The Job
Why Sunset Makes This Eclipse Different
For many visitors, everything will depend on choosing a viewing site with an unobstructed view of the northwest horizon. It’s common for people to completely misunderstand the geometry of a total solar eclipse and fail to get into the path of totality. However, Spain’s rare sunset eclipse creates a unique challenge because even observers inside the path of totality could lose sight of the eclipsed sun if it drops behind local terrain before totality begins. Choosing a location within the path is critical, but finding a clear view low toward the northwest is just as important. High ground, open farmland, reservoir shorelines and exposed coastal viewpoints are all likely to offer better prospects than wooded valleys or cities.
Last-Minute Planning Tips
With the eclipse now only days away, experienced eclipse chasers are closely watching updated weather forecasts before making final decisions. Because observers will be looking through hundreds of miles of atmosphere near the horizon, distant cloud cover to the northwest may matter more than conditions directly overhead. Useful planning resources include The Eclipse App, SunsetAtlas, Eclipse Horizon , Instituto Geográfico Nacional and TPE, all of which can help confirm sightlines and viewing geometry before eclipse day.
Read more Iran Says U.S. Must Meet Demands Before Strait Of Hormuz Reopens
WHO WILL See The 2026 Total Solar Eclipse?
The Aug. 12 total solar eclipse offers three very different viewing destinations, each with its own advantages and challenges.
Read more Max Miller Rally Cancelled Over ‘Threats’ Amid Abuse Allegations And Calls For His Resignation
- Eastern Greenland’s remote Scoresby Sound promises one of the world’s most dramatic eclipse settings, with towering icebergs, Arctic wilderness and relatively reliable weather. Expedition cruise ships packed with eclipse chasers will position themselves within the path of totality.
- In Iceland, totality crosses the country’s west coast, bringing the eclipse within easy reach of visitors. Reykjavík, Snæfellsjökull National Park and the Blue Lagoon all lie close to or within the path, while Hellissandur will host the Iceland Eclipse Festival near the point of greatest eclipse.
- Spain is expected to attract by far the largest crowds. The path of totality crosses accessible regions including Gijón, A Coruña, Palencia, Burgos, Segovia, Soria, Zaragoza and Mallorca in the Balearic Islands. Northern Spain offers some of the best weather prospects anywhere along the eclipse path.
Further Reading
Forbes50 Days To A Total Solar Eclipse — Where And When To Experience ItBy Jamie Carter
ForbesWhy Americans Cannot Ignore August’s Total Solar EclipseBy Jamie CarterForbesTuesday’s New Moon Sets Up A Total Solar Eclipse In 29 DaysBy Jamie CarterForbesMeet The World Cup Country About To Have 3 Spectacular Solar Eclipses In 3 YearsBy Jamie CarterForbesNASA Drops Map Of Next Total Solar Eclipse — And It Visits The U.S.By Jamie Carter